Fundamental Concepts of Genetics YAY ALIYAH

What is DNA and what does it contain?

DNA, or deoxyribonucleic acid, is the molecule that contains the genetic instructions for the development and functioning of living organisms.

What are the components of a nucleotide in DNA?

A nucleotide in DNA is composed of a phosphate group, a sugar (deoxyribose), and a nitrogenous base (A, T, C, or G).

What is the structure of DNA?

The structure of DNA is a double helix, which allows for the stable storage of genetic information.

What are the base pairing rules in DNA?

Adenine (A) pairs with thymine (T) and cytosine (C) pairs with guanine (G).

What is a gene?

A gene is a specific segment of DNA that contains the instructions for making a particular protein.

What are alleles?

Alleles are different versions of the same gene, which can result in variations in traits.

What is the difference between genotype and phenotype?

The genotype refers to the genetic makeup of an individual (e.g., AA, Aa, aa), while the phenotype is the observable physical trait (e.g., brown eyes).

What is the difference between homozygous and heterozygous individuals?

Homozygous individuals have two identical alleles (e.g., BB or bb), while heterozygous individuals have two different alleles (e.g., Bb).

What are chromosomes and how many do humans have?

Chromosomes are structures made of DNA and protein that carry genes; humans have 46 chromosomes (23 pairs).

What is the process of mitosis?

Mitosis is the process of cell division that produces two identical daughter cells.

What is meiosis and what does it produce?

Meiosis is the process that produces gametes (sperm and egg cells) with half the number of chromosomes.

What is crossing over in meiosis?

Crossing over is a process in meiosis that increases genetic diversity by exchanging genetic material between homologous chromosomes.

Who is Gregor Mendel and what is he known for?

Gregor Mendel is known as the father of genetics for his experiments with pea plants that established the laws of inheritance.

What are Mendel's laws of inheritance?

Mendel's laws include the law of segregation and the law of independent assortment, describing how alleles are distributed during gamete formation.

What is dominance in genetics?

Dominance occurs when one allele masks the effect of another (e.g., brown eyes over blue eyes).

What are codominance and incomplete dominance?

Codominance is when both alleles are expressed, while incomplete dominance is when the alleles blend.

What are pedigree charts used for?

Pedigree charts are used to trace the inheritance of traits through generations, identifying carriers and affected individuals.

What is evolution?

Evolution is the change in species over time, driven by mechanisms such as natural selection, genetic drift, and gene flow.

What is natural selection?

Natural selection favors individuals with traits that enhance survival and reproduction, leading to 'survival of the fittest'.

What is adaptation in the context of evolution?

Adaptation refers to traits that improve an organism's ability to survive in its environment.

What are the types of mutations?

Types of mutations include point mutations, insertion mutations, deletion mutations, duplication mutations, and inversion mutations.

What is genetic variation and why is it important?

Genetic variation is essential for evolution and results from mutations, gene flow, and sexual reproduction.

What is microevolution?

Microevolution refers to small changes in allele frequencies over time.

What is macroevolution?

Macroevolution encompasses larger evolutionary changes that can lead to speciation.